From Engineer to Global Speaker: Bjorn’s Story of Speaking Success

How does an engineer transition from a structured technical environment to sharing the stage with Europe’s top professors? Bjorn’s story is an inspiring example of how stepping out of your comfort zone can lead to extraordinary growth and unexpected opportunities.‍

Learn why public speaking triggers fear-and how to overcome it.

The Journey to Becoming a Speaker

Bjorn’s professional life began in the world of engineering—a field rooted in precision, structure, and problem-solving. While thriving in this environment, Bjorn felt drawn to the challenge of public speaking. What started as a tentative step to share his expertise in timber innovation soon turned into a remarkable journey of personal and professional transformation.

Though his early speaking engagements were nerve-wracking, Bjorn recognised the potential to elevate his career by embracing the discomfort. Each talk sharpened his skills, built his confidence, and opened new doors.

The Italy Experience

Bjorn’s turning point came when he was invited to deliver a talk in Italy—a seminar that initially sounded low-key but turned out to be a prestigious event with Europe’s top professors in attendance.

Preparation Amid Pressure

Two days before his talk, Bjorn immersed himself in the conference, jotting down key takeaways from other speakers and engaging in meaningful conversations with attendees. He opted for a dry, self-deprecating humour in his introduction—a choice that resonated with the jet-lagged audience and broke the ice effortlessly.

“I was pretty jet-lagged, but never mind—it’s been inspiring to hear the ideas shared today,” he began, sharing insights from earlier sessions. His humour, authenticity, and ability to weave the day’s content into his presentation set the tone for a memorable talk.

The Presentation

Bjorn’s presentation stood out for its clarity and relatability. He kept his slides simple and used storytelling to connect with his audience. His approach earned him recognition not just as a speaker but as a thought leader. Professors in attendance commended his presentation, with one noting, “You’ve done a bloody amazing job.”

Bjorn later reflected on the experience:

“I was the second-last presenter, just arrived from NZ the day before and was jet lagged, given the 4pm slot of a long day. Frightening thought—sleep deprived and talking about something from far away to people eager to have the deserved wine after the first day…”

“So in the morning I remembered Michael saying: in presentations, you need to pick the audience up at the end so they take the key learning home… I picked the best points from earlier talks—to keep me awake too—and summarised them in a casual and funny way with quite some laughter.”

“Then I asked the crowd to stand up. While they were standing, I introduced myself at eye level and asked: ‘Who hasn’t done timber design?’—everyone kept standing. ‘Who has done earthquake design?’—70% sat down. ‘Who’s done mass timber in NZ?’—only three people I knew remained standing.”

“So let’s look at what we’ve done in NZ over the next 30 minutes before we hit those well-deserved drinks. Thanks for staying seated to let me share this with you.”

Discover the structure that transforms technical expertise into memorable stories at our StorySelling workshop.

Key Lessons Learned

Bjorn’s experience in Italy is a masterclass in how to thrive as a speaker. Here are the lessons he learned:

• Preparation Meets Adaptability: While planning is essential, being present in the moment and adapting to your audience can make all the difference.
• Humour Breaks Barrier: A touch of humour can turn a formal presentation into a conversation that resonates.
• Confidence Grows with Practice: Every talk builds momentum. Saying "yes" to opportunities accelerates this growth.
• Connection Is Greater Than Perfection: Audiences remember how you made them feel more than your credentials.

Actionable Takeaways for Aspiring Speakers

• Say Yes to Challenges: Even if you don't feel ready, taking on speaking opportunities can lead to incredible growth.
• Engage Before You Speak: Networking and engaging with fellow attendees can ease nerves and provide insights to enrich your talk.
• Let Your Personality Shine: Authenticity and humour create connections that outlast the presentation.
• Reflect on the Impact: Pay attention to the feedback—both verbal and emotional—it often tells you more than you realise.

Conclusion

Bjorn’s story reminds us that professional growth often lies just beyond our comfort zones. From an engineer in New Zealand to a global speaker recognised by European professors, his journey exemplifies the power of courage, preparation, and persistence.

As Bjorn reflects:
“It’s a strange and exciting shift—to go from quiet structure to standing centre stage. But I’ve realised this: the world doesn’t need more perfect speakers; it needs real people willing to share their stories.”

Are you ready to take the stage and write your own success story? Like Bjorn, the first step might be saying “yes” to an opportunity that feels a little scary—but could change everything.

If you're ready to elevate your own speaking, check out our executive speaker coaching program.